David Cameron tonight told rugby prankster Manu Tuilagi there was no need to apologise for giving the Prime Minister "bunny ears" during a photo shoot at Downing Street.

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The British and Irish Lions star had apologised for the prank he played during a team visit to No10 but Mr Cameron told him he knew it was "just a bit of fun".

The Prime Minister tweeted: "@Manutuilagi it was great to welcome you and the @lionsofficial team to No10. No need to apologise, I know it was just a bit of fun."

The England centre had stuck his fingers behind the PM's head during a photo shoot of players and management during an event to honour the Lions' victory over Australia, creating the "bunny ears" effect.

Tuilagi was forced to apologise for the playful prank and insisted he meant no offence.

Using Twitter to express his remorse, the Leicester Tigers player said: "Apologies for messing around on Lions photo. No offence intended. Great Day at Downing Street. Thanks to Prime Minister for hosting us."

It is not the first time Tuilagi has been the centre of controversy as he was fined £3,000 by the Rugby Football Union after he jumped from a ferry during England's World Cup campaign in New Zealand two years ago.

Tuilagi was cautioned by police on that occasion and disciplined by then England coach Martin Johnson.

Following his latest prank, Tuilagi's team-mates reacted on social networking site Twitter.

Ben Youngs, a fellow British and Irish Lion, England and Tigers player, tweeted: "The man@Manutuilagi just couldn't stop himself."

The scrum-half later removed the tweet and posted a picture of himself posing outside 10 Downing Street.

Mr Cameron welcomed the victorious British and Irish Lions rugby squad for the reception yesterday, when he was presented with fly-half Jonny Sexton's number 10 jersey.

He said: "It's a huge honour. My son, just because of you guys, has just started tag rugby. He will be so excited about this jersey."

Mr Cameron congratulated captain Sam Warburton and coach Warren Gatland as they brought along the Tom Richards Cup to Number 10.

The Lions, comprised of players from Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland, won the first and third tests to secure a 2-1 triumph in the three-match series with Australia during the summer.

The players and coaching staff were joined by their wives and girlfriends for the event.

Some of the Lions party took the opportunity to visit the Red Lion pub before the reception, which is in Parliament Street, just down the road from 10 Downing Street.

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